Among new offerings are a spa, a local gourmet deli called The Goddess & Grocer and a restaurant overseen by celebrity chef Rick Bayless. Coming soon are an Emporio Armani and a Michael Kors shop.

Airports around the country are in competition over such amenities in hopes of attracting passengers, especially those in transit who can be tempted to spend money on a layover.

At O’Hare, the need was especially acute. Even Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino has called the old Terminal 5 an embarrassment.

It was designed with grand spaces, but after Sept. 11, 2001, some of those areas were filled with expanded security checkpoints, leaving passengers with few options for eating and shopping once they passed the screening lines.

The renovated interior transformed the food court into a dining lounge with performance kitchens. New design elements include wood-paneled walls, intricate tile patterns and stylish lighting.

There is also a 10,000-square-foot duty-free store that will offer luxury brands representing the Magnificent Mile shopping district downtown.

Even before its full completion, departing passengers spent an average of $18.99 in Terminal 5’s shops and restaurants last year, the highest it’s ever been.